A Turkish court on Friday lifted an arrest warrant for the son of Somalia’s president, Mohamed Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, following his appearance in court for a fatal car accident case.
The incident, which occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, involved Mahmoud colliding with a motorcycle courier while driving a Somali consulate car in central Istanbul.
The collision critically injured the courier, who later succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 6, 2023. Following police questioning, Mahmoud departed Turkey on Dec. 2, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant in his absence.
Anticipating his cooperation, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc previously urged Mahmoud’s return to face the legal proceedings. Responding to the call, Mahmoud returned to Istanbul and appeared before the court on Friday afternoon.
He reiterated his earlier claim to the prosecutor, placing responsibility for the accident on the motorcyclist. While the arrest warrant was revoked and Mahmoud exempted from future hearings, the case itself remains ongoing.
The Turkish prosecutor is seeking a sentence of up to six years in prison for Mahmoud on charges of “causing death by negligence.” The court’s decision to allow Mahmoud’s freedom during the trial generated mixed reactions.
Some saw it as a necessary step to ensure due process and a fair trial, while others expressed concerns about potential diplomatic implications and fair application of the law.
With the case expected to continue, the focus remains on determining the cause of the accident and delivering justice for the deceased courier.
The outcome of the trial will be closely watched, not only for its legal implications but also for its potential impact on diplomatic relations between Turkey and Somalia.
